'Freak accident' prompts gas cylinder warning

An accident north of Brisbane this morning has prompted the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service to warn householders to ensure their gas cylinders are turned off when not in use.

A woman was badly burned this morning at Murrumba Downs, but fire service spokesman Daryl King says it was a freak accident.

Mr King says gas was leaking from a cylinder but the woman could not smell it.

The woman was not using the barbecue or smoking.

"It appears the gas had leaked out of the fittings and gas cylinder and had been ignited by a hot water system nearby and she was unfortunately standing close to it and suffered burns to the hands and face," Mr King said.